In the deadly E. coli O157:H7 HUS outbreak that is linked to romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Arizona growing region, 17 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. That potentially deadly complication can occur in about 5 to 10% of patients in every Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak.
But in this outbreak, which has sickened 149 people in 29 states and has hosptialized 54, the HUS rate is 13% which is quite high. This could be because there are children, who are more likely to develop HUS than adults, among the patients.
Where do those HUS patients live? We contacted the health departments of the states involved in this outbreak and asked.
The California Department of Public Health stated that as of May 9, 2018, there are 30 people sickened in this outbreak in that state. Of those patients, nine people have been hospitalized, and five have developed HUS.
Idaho, another state that is hard hit in this outbreak, has had five patients hospitalized. Of those people, two have developed HUS.
Minnesota was just added to the outbreak case count last week. Of the ten cases in that state, three people have been hospitalized, and two have HUS.
And finally, in Pennsylvania, which has had 20 cases, 12 people have been hospitalized because they are so sick. And two people have developed HUS.
You can contact food safety attorney Fred Pritzker for help by calling 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Attorney Fred Pritzker, who is representing clients sickened in this outbreak, said, “These infections can be serious and life-threatening.” Lawsuits have been filed in this outbreak against Texas Road House, Panera, Red Lobster, and Papa Murphy’s.
HUS affects the kidneys primarily by destroying red blood cells. Shiga toxins produced by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria can get into the bloodstream. As the blood flows through the body, it moves through the kidneys. The dead cells can clog tiny tubes in that organ, causing kidney failure.
The symptoms of HUS are clear and unmistakeable. The primary symptom is reduction in urine output because the kidneys are struggling. Patients may also be lethargic and have pale skin. Other symptoms include bleeding from the nose and mouth and small, unexplained bruises. Anyone who is suffering with these symptoms needs to see a doctor immediately for care.
Pritzker Hageman law firm is a national company that helps those who have been sickened by contaminated food get answers, compensation, and justice. Our attorneys represent patients and families of children in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against grocery stores, daycare centers, food producers and processors, restaurants, and retailers. In 2016, attorney Fred Pritzker and his team won $7.5 million for a young client whose kidneys failed after he developed hemolytic uremic syndrome as a result of an E. coli infection. It’s important to remember that class action lawsuits may not be appropriate for outbreak victims because each case is very unique.
